How does Active Release Techniques work?
As an ART Certified Provider, Dr. Case applies specific forces to neural and myofascial tissue at a specific contact depth and angle. He then uses relative motion of these tissues (by knowing their attachments sites and vectors of force/tension) to release adhesions and create movement and space of these localized injured or restricted areas.
Constant or repetitive strain (from overuse or postural tension) of your muscles, tendons or fascia can lead to tightness, weakness and a lack of coordination. Over time, this strain can develop into what is known as micro-trauma. This small-scale damage occurs in the muscles, tendons, joint capsules and ligaments is response to these small levels of strain.
In many cases, this micro-trauma is not painful at the source, but your body recognizes that the damage needs to be repaired. In attempt to repair the area, fibroblasts respond by laying down small amounts of fibrous connective tissue, i.e. scar tissue.
Without intervention, this scar tissue will accumulate into what are called adhesions. As these adhesions form, they start to affect the normal health and function of the muscles and related joints, often leading to pain, tightness, stiffness, restricted motion and diminished blood flow. Placing additional strain on the muscles leads to further micro-trauma, resulting in progressive soft-tissue dysfunction.
Active Release Techniques effectively treats many types of conditions because it is designed to address problems with tension, texture, movement, and function that occur from adhesions, contractures, and nerve-related problems. Specifically locating and treating the soft-tissue adhesions with ART allows Dr. Case to:
- Break up restrictive adhesions
- Reinstate normal tissue elasticity, movement and function
- Restore balance and stability to the area as well as the entire kinetic chain
To book an appointment for ART with Dr. Case in Kitsilano (West Point Grey and UBC area) in Vancouver, please click on the BOOK ONLINE button above.